Jong Chae – Business & Entrepreneurship Alumnus

We are always thrilled to share news about our successful alumni. In this Alumni Spotlight, Jong Chae talks about how the Business & Entrepreneurship department helped prepare him for his current career. His advice to current students is simple, find internships because nothing is better than real world experience.

What is your current job and how did you get there?

Jong: I currently work as a product manager at Universal Music Korea, where I am responsible for marketing, promotion, and production for the West Coast labels. I previously worked at an indie label called Sky Music in Korea as a copyright coordinator. During that role, I suggested the label license EDM and eventually achieved platinum sales status for one of their EDM artists. At the same time, I was able to handle various tasks, such as managing a publishing account and clearing music for advertisers. These various experiences combined let me earn credit with the HR manager at Universal, who recommended me for my current position.

What field are you working in?

Jong: Product management of recorded music.

How did the Business program @ Columbia prepare you for what you do now?

Jong:
(1) Helped me practice decision making: Working at a record label requires you to make or alter decisions on a daily basis. Justin Sinkovich taught me strategies and deal structures of the recording industry from ‘Decision Making: Music Business‘. The class provided insights into the decision making process and helped me develop a sense of quantitative analysis.

(2) Provided real-world experience: “MIDEM: Foreign Distribution of Music” was very helpful for me. It allowed me to prepare a business plan and actually practice licensing in and out. Although the class is not available anymore, there is currently a SXSW class led by Justin Sinkovich. It offers a great opportunity to use Columbia’s resources to gain real-world experience.

What was your most valuable Columbia experience?

Jong: “MIDEM: Foreign Distribution of Music” offered me the most valuable experience at Columbia. While going through an internship at Minty Fresh in Chicago, I proposed the idea of representing the label at MIDEM with a business plan prepared during class. Upon their approval, I had multiple meetings at MIDEM and secured a licensing deal for one of their artists. This became a turning point and linked me to another internship opportunity at Wixen Music Publishing in California.

Were there any particular professors who have made a significant impact on you? How?

Jong: Justin Sinkovich had a significant impact on me. He taught “New Media Strategies” and “Decision Making: Music Business”. His industry experience and case studies helped me understand the music industry in a fast-changing environment. I was also fascinated by “Music Publishing” taught by Shawn Murphy. The class helped me considerably when I was working at Wixen’s licensing department issuing various licenses.

In what way did your Business degree help your career?

Jong: The majority of the people in the music industry actually do not hold a degree in Music Business, which became a competitive edge for me. Furthermore, I became more and more goal-oriented and motivated after obtaining work experiences, connections, and knowledge. All of those combined gave me enough confidence to pave my own path in the music industry.

Do you have any advice for current Columbia students?

Jong:

1. Intern, intern, and intern: There is nothing more valuable than real-world experience.
2. Network: If there had not been any networking opportunities, I would not have any internships or jobs in the music industry.
3. Experience both indie and major companies if possible: This has broaden my vision dramatically.
4. To International students: Be goal-oriented with concrete action plans and a rough timeline.